November - December 2019

INDIA’S FIRST DOMESTIC MOTORSPORTS & OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE

GAURAV GILL MAKES HIS WAY

NOV/DEC 2019

TVS RACING

MOTOSOUL

IN WRC 2

2W RACING Deepak, Sarath annex national titles

GRAVEL FEST Younus is the Mysuru Gravel King

A T M A S U M M IT H ER O x T R A CK S E H ER IT A G E D R IV

MRF F1600 RAGHUL RANGASAMY CH

AMPION

EDITORIAL / IMPRINT

IMPRINT Editor S. Ashok Kumar Tiwari

Hi, Our New Look.

AUTO TRACK is on a new track...

Finally, recognition of motorsport by the Ministry of Sports came, and all seemed it was good going for the sport even as Arjuna Award came the way of Gaurav Gill, and it provided a big boost for the sport. But the joy was shortlived as the unfortunate incident at Jodhpur, where three people died, was mismanaged , with no support from the Federation.

The same incident was referred to in the PIL filed in the Kerala High Court that put on hold using the public roads for Rallies. Though the honourable Court stuck down the PIL, the backlash still affected the event. While INRC Round 3 was called off at Jodhpur, Round 4, which was close at hand, had to be postponed due to this PIL which was filed a week before the event. Heavy rains, too, had created havoc in Kerala during the same period. So, K1000 which was out of the Championship for the first time since 42 years, last year in 2018, will be back this rally season with the event scheduled for November.

A few other championship rounds in Karnataka and Maharashtra had to be postponed due to heavy rains and floods but the backlog is expec ted to be completed by December. Only a round of the INRC for four-wheelers which was postponed is yet to find a slot.

The four INRC rounds at Chennai, Coimbatore, Bengaluru and Chikkamgaluru enjoy high safety record as they found private land to run the rally stages.

All the championships and the newly-formed championships from this year, the Gymkhana, Autocross and Sprint are moving smoothly. But a few needed the Federation's intervention as the promoter failed to takeoff. Sprint for 4-wheelers is expected to begin by early January 2020, while the Dirt track for two-wheelers is a leftout sport. Alas, it is a fast-growing spectator sport.

The federation took a call to run the Gymkhana and the Autocross events for 4-wheelers on its own, and allotted regional rounds to a few clubs. It is expected to conclude by December. As usual nothing is learnt, and nothing changes, with the final quarter witnessing the mad rush once again.

S. ASHOK KUMAR TIWARI Editor M: +91-9845296190 autotrack.editor@gmail.com

Concept and Design: S. Ashok Kumar Tiwari Staff Photographers: Keshav Murthy, Nirav Mehta Prakash Rawat, Noor Director / Correspondent: Roopa A. Tiwari General Manager Circulation & Sr. Correspondent: S. Nithyanand Correspondent: K. Manjunath Ghanshyam A Tiwari Spl. Correspondent: David Bodapati Western Region: autotrack.west@gmail.com Mob 09757176958 Northern Region: autotrack.north@gmail.com Mob 09871765886 Editorial Office: Auto Track 7/3-1, Lalitha Engineering Building, Subbanna Garden Main Road, Vijayanagar, Bangalore-40 autotrack.editor@gmail.com www.autotrack.ind.in For Subscription, contact: 9845296190 For Advertisement, E: ashok.autotrack@gmail.com The Publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are accurate. However, he accepts no responsibility of any effects arising therefrom. Printed at Raj Hans Enterprises, Rajajinagar Industrial Town, Bangalore-560044.

Published by S.Ashok Kumar Tiwari At # 7/3-1, Lalitha Engineering Building, Subbanna Garden Main Road, Vijayanagar, Bangalore - 560040

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 O1 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

56

24 RALLY: 60 72 48

TSD PLAY FACTORY TSD

HERITAGE

34 OFF-ROAD 10 34

59

52 OTHERS: SUMMIT FERRARI WORLD

MGE MOTO SOUL X TRACKS

38

14

50

22

O2 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

70

RACING: 2W NATL RACING 4W NATL RACING MOTO GP 4W NATL RACING

12

44

24 56 50 14

Was the Jodhpur incident mismanaged?

The sport which was just recoganised by the Government, was hit below the belt by a few critics, right from our own fraternity leading up to some media houses.

Though this kind of situation was nothing new to the sport, as it had happened a couple of times earlier, too in different states. But handling the situation this time, was a bit different. Acting in this kind of situtations, has no Federation protocol. After this incident, it is mandatory for the Federation to step in and find out a common solution to safegaurd the sport, sportspersons and organisers with a ready-togo crisis management & legal team in place. Since, the Federation charges hefty money from both the Promoter and the Organiser for bidding and alloting the National championship, it is

O4 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

time to track the expenditure. Instead of spending on Ìnternational Junkets' they should route the money for genuine causes like this.

Instead of finding a solution, only two people were left with dirty hands, the driver and the organiser.

The situation which should have come under control on the very first day was managed very poorly right from every individual involved and no one really knew, W ` ho will bell the cat".

On a lighter note, the nation was kept repeatedily informed by the media that the driver was an Arjuna awardee. The same was never in news, as much, while he actually received the award. But anyway after all this dilemma and harassment, hope Gaurav Gill is same on the track.

Looking forward for the fraternity to uplift his talent and allow him to give his best once again, with the kind of support he got from his well wishers and fans to

overcome this horrific incident. Steps to handle these kind of situations from the Federation's side is eagerly awaited. Everyone is aware that the person and the family killed in the accident, ignored the Marshalls' caution and advice, and were told ǹot to enter the route which was green'. But it is unfortunate that the whole family was wiped out and orphaned the 14-year old, never the less the driver, organiser and the sport had taken a beating to the maximum possible extent because of inept handling of the issue.

Postponement really affects our travel and preparedness plans!

Yes, indeed it affects. But nobody can fight against nature. It is not only the riders and drivers' hardwork that gets into it. The organisers situation here is far more worst. Getting the permissions redone along

with bookings and allocations involves lot of money and efforts. It is far better than your landing and being informed there is no rally. Here you had a week in advance when the information was put out. For the two-wheeler event, the rains were so severe that the dampness was over a foot deep. It never supports the organising under these conditions due to safety norms. Off course, Kerala is a different case but it is a learning ocassion for all to handle such situations.

Indian edition of AAGC 2019 will be more exciting!

Rightly said, the first edition set a bench mark, as it was more colourful and entertaining. This year we will see two Indian women Shivani Pruthvi and Khyati Mody, who have already proved a point in the earlier rounds. IARC is fully geared up this season to make it more exciting and colourful.

MOTORSPORTS

NEWS

Harith for Dakar 2020 Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team, announced its fourrider squad for Dakar Rally 2020 scheduled to take place in January in Saudi Arabia at TVS MotoSoul 2019, Goa. The team includes seasoned racer

Michael Metge (France), Enduro Champion Lorenzo Santolino (Spain), and Johnny Aubert (France), and India's ace rider Harith Noah who is set to make his debut at the Dakar Rally.

Akhil Rabindra wins Fox Factory 120 Pole India's Akhil Rabindra, who bagged a spot at Aston Martin's Drivers Academy earlier this year raced for the fourth IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, Atlanta.

With Automatic Racing, Akhil claimed the pole for Fox Factory 120 with a lap at 106.679 mph. It is his

first career IMSA pole and a new track record. The 23year-old Indian racer got the first podium for the new Aston Martin in Mugello in Italy at the start of the year, and the first pole for the new Aston Martin Vantage GT4 in the US at the end of the season.

Rookie win for Kush Maini Kush Maini drove a brilliant Race 1, starting P6 on the grid, to bring home the Rookie Win in his first-ever night race at Abu Dhabi recently, with an overall P6 position.

Starting P6, Maini managed to get ahead of Sebastian at the start and into the first corner. Then he managed to keep his fifth position for several laps before having to move back a slot, but still ahead of all the rookies. From

then on, he kept a steady pace to complete the race ahead of Patrik Pasma and Caio Collet. Maini finished the season, second in the Rookie championship and 6th in the overall championship with 102 points. Kush Maini was happy about the Rookie win and said: "It was nice to have a Rookie win under the lights here in Abu Dhabi. There is such a big difference in temperatures which makes the event very interesting."

Tough time for Ruhaan at X30 Finals Ruhaan Alva represented India in the Junior Category in the X30 Grand Finals held at France recently. In the Qualifying, he was blocked multiple times and could only qualify 23rd in his group. In the heats, he made up places and moved up to 14th but was kept getting shunted out in every heat and started from behind to make up a few places before the finish. The

Mahindra Racing strengthens Formula E staff

With the 2019-20 ABB FIA Formula E Championship season just around the corner, Mahindra Racing strengthened its team and announced the senior appointments of David Clarke as Team Manager and new O6 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

cold weather and rain were a matter of concern, too.

Chief Mechanic Paul Willett in September. The new recruits support the team's strategy to enhance its in-house race team operations, with further engineering hires expected to be completed in the coming months.

MOTORSPORTS

NEWS

Monza Podium for Jehan

Podium for Sohil It was Sohil Shah's first-ever international race and he got his podium in Formula 4 South East Asia, Round 8 at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. The Indian contingent consisted of Sneha Sharma and Sohil Shah. In Race 1, Sohil finished fifth and Sneha stood seventh. In Race 2 with the reverse grid in operation, Sohil ended up

Mahindra's #HerDrive

rd

in 3 , Advait lost out on the very last lap and also got a penalty which effectively ended his campaign for third overall. In Race 2, he finished sixth, as he was aiming a podium.

The Mahindra XUV300 #HerDrive event was held in Bengaluru with eminent actress, Gul Panag, being part of the drive, as they

celebrated women who

Technology

O8 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Speed'. The Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix support event saw Jehan climb from tenth to second, only to suffer issues denying the Indian a potential race win.

Electronics issues disabled Jehan's DRS, in turn preventing him from gaining top speed on the two vital long straights

at fifth position. Sneha Sharma lost few places right at the start in spite of starting in the front row and managed to finish eighth.

Race 3 was in damp conditions. Sohil Shah was in lead but lost it due to a mistake and dropped to sixth. Later, he was promoted to second after the post-race scrutiny while Sneha Sharma finished 7th.

Advait 4th in Euro NASCAR The London based Indian racer, Advait Deodhar ended the 2019 European NASCAR Championship 4th overall after a thrilling final race in Belgium. In Race 1, after a stellar drive sitting

Jehan Daruvala was left frustrated despite a podium in Race 1 of the 7th round of the FIA F3 Championship but won the hearts of thousands around the circuit and around the world. He was racing at the 5.793km, historic highspeed circuit of Monza, also known as the 'Temple of

were winners in every field.

The event saw performances by Sejal Bhat from Comicstaan and Aflatunes, an A Cappella group.

OFF-ROAD

SAKLESHPUR

Bopaiah from Coorg off-roads to victory Sapna wins Ladies category while Sudin Rai claims Stock class

T

he 164th edition of the Mahindra Great Escape, one of India's thrilling off-roading adventure at Sakleshpur belonged to Bopaiah from Coorg. The two-day event in spite of the date clashing with adjacent regional events had a huge response of over 80 vehicles from Mahindra stable as part of this adventure which concluded on September 3.

The event was split into two categories. Day 1 belonged to Adventure Drive. The Trail Drive allowed the customers to experience the off-road capabilities of their Mahindra vehicles, on a terrain prudently chalked out by the Mahindra

1O AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Adventure team to give them the pleasure of driving within very challenging and slippery natural terrain under supervision.

Day 2 was Off-road Trophy meant for the hardcore offroaders to exhibit their talent and skills by negotiating various obstacles and edging each other out in fierce competition. Four stages were in the menu to select the best off-roader from Karnataka to represent in the finale to be held in Igatpuri.

Stage 1 was a rocky terrain, slippery at places and sharp on a few occasions. The vehicles had to pass

through a few tilting rocks and back to the finish on the same surface. Stage 2 was through stagnant water, the third stage was a steep slope to drive down and take on the same climb to end the stage. The final

stage was the slush stage.

Bopaiah KM won the Modified category, Sudin S Rai finished first in the Stock category and Sapna Gurukar was the winner of the Ladies category.

AUTOCROSS

CHINTAMANI

Sathyaraj, fastest rider of the day Pushkar tops Max Adventure Class; Shamantha wins Ladies title

T

he second edition of the Big Rock Trail Attack 2019 was held at the Big Rock facility at Chintamani, about 30km from Bengaluru. With a lap distance of 7.5km, the professional class had 6 laps to be covered while the Amateur and Ladies classes had only four laps to be taken.

Max Adventure class was

12AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

the new class that was added for larger-capacity motorcycles above 650cc.

This unique event was a mix of adventure trail and enduro track, was wellreceived by the competitors.

Sathyaraj was the fastest rider of the day with a total time of 1 hour, 13 minutes and 41seconds and he also won the Professional class.

Yuva Kumar with 1:14.09

came second. Salman Khan came third with a timing of 1:19.48.

Neeraj Samarth clocked 1:24.38 to win the Professional Class-2. In Class-3, Vishwas SD clocked 1:16.24 to win the class followed by Devaraj Venkatesh in 1:17.14 to take second position. Gautham Rao finished third clocking 1:18.45.

Max Adventure Class was won by Pushkar by clocking 55:31. Ashvin Gururaj clocked 58:55 to finish second while Nikhil Das timed 1:00.54 to settle for third position.

In Ladies class, Shamantha with a total time of 1:16.10 won, Soundari finished second with a time of 1:17.15. Dimpy Gowda with 27 sec difference was third.

COIMBATORE

Diljith in lead followed by Sohil Shah in LGB Formula 4

Raghul, Sohil star Pune's Tanay Gaikwad gets a Gixxer Cup double; Aaroh Ravindra wins 2 Novice races

O

n a day of intense battles and loads of drama, Chennai's Raghul Rangasamy came out trumps, collecting 18 points to shoot to the top of the FLGB-4 table as Round 2 of the JK Tyre FMSCI Indian National Racing Championship.

LGB Formula 4: In Race 1, Bangalore's Sohil Shah 14 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

made the most of an acrimonious start to win the race after a sensational battle between Vishnu Prasad and Diljith TS. After a delayed start due to technical safety regulations, two privateers Manav Dougall and Akshay Kapoor, both from Delhi, found themselves in P1 and P2.

Diljith of Dark Don Racing and MSport's Vishnu began

at P3 and P4 and brought the race alive at the first corner itself, jumping into the lead.

Chennai's Vishnu veered to the outside line and smartly overtook the three racers ahead of him. But Diljith made his move in the second lap, shooting past Vishnu to set up a tense fight. Vishnu chased Diljith relentlessly, forcing him into

his first mistake in the 8th lap. Sohil took advantage of their engaging tussle to jump into the lead. The 18year-old showed nerves of steel to build on it and eventually won the race for MSport. Diljith took the second place while Vishnu, after a energy-sapping contest, had to be content with the third position.

In Race 2, Diljith TS began

NATL RACING, R2

Rushab in inner line Haritha comp 26, Jatin comp 12

Gixxer Cup, Muzammil comp 18 followed by Gaikwad comp 14

David Ryan in JK Tyre College Cup

at P7 as the reverse grid came into play. He exhibited speed and control to steadily move up and take the first place. Raghul (MSport), who was at P5, got caught in the front pack to lose the initiative and settled for second. Sandeep Kumar A, also from Dark Don, had to settle for the third position.

In Race 3, Raghul, however, took advantage of a similar situation in the final race to win it in a dramatic fashion.

His fourth-place finish on Saturday was enough to give him a total of 47 points. That took him past his teammate Vishnu Prasad, who didn't have the best of weekends despite racing out of his skin.

Vishnu suffered because of the safety car as he was leading with a big margin.

He had to settle for the second position while he had already endured a sixth-place finish in the earlier race to slip down to a total of 45 points in the two rounds. Diljith was placed third with 31 points.

JK Tyre Suzuki Gixxer Cup: In Race 1, Pune's Tanay Gaikwad converted his pole position to a comfortable victory beating last round winner Syed Muzammil Ali

from Bengaluru. Sidharth Sajan from Coimbatore came third. Tanay clocked the fastest lap time of 1:23.750 to mark his superiority on the day.

Tanay Gaikwad stole the thunder by collecting the maximum possible 20 points to join Syed Muzammil Ali at the top of the table.

In Race 2, Tanay showed his class on Day 2, too, posting his second straight victory which was one of the narrowest margin as it came in almost a photo-finish.

Muzammil clocked the day's fastest lap of 1:23.681 but finished 0.068 seconds behind in the 10 laps to settle for second position, Shazan Khan from Bengaluru settled for third position.

The JK Tyre Novice Cup: This class too had its share of twists and turns with Mumbai's Aaroh Ravindra winning the first race but yielding the second to Mohamed Ryan from Chennai, when the reverse grid came into play.

In Race 1, Aaroh won with close to two seconds lead over the second place Chirag Ghorpade from Bengaluru. Mohamed Ryan finished third.

Stunt Show in process

LGB Formula 4 women category winners

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 15

NATL RACING, R2

COIMBATORE

Sohil Shah followed by Diljith and Vishnu in LGB Formula 4

In Race 2, Aaroh took the second place, though, to maintain his hold on the championship. Mohamed Ryan won the race comfortably while Udbhav Goyal from Gurugram came third.

In Race3, Aaroh Ravindra once again was the winner followed by the strong contender Chirag Ghorpade in second and Mohamed Ryan in third.

Aaroh Ravindra stayed ahead by collecting 10 more points to make it a grand sum of 52, including 28 this weekend. Chirag Ghorpade was second with 39 points, after two second-place finishes.

JK Tyre College Cup: David Ryan of Chennai underlined his prowess by winning two races in the first-ever class for College students. In Race 1, David Ryan won beating Aman Chaudhary from Kolkata to second while Sai Prithvi S from Chennai came third. In Race 2, David was once again the 16 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

winner this time relegating Chetan Surineni from Bengaluru to second. Kedin Akhil from Kolkata finished third. In Race 3, Sai Prithvi was the winner followed by David in second and Chetan Surineni settled for third.

David Ryan held on to his overall lead with 28 points while Sai and Kedin were tied on 16 points in the second place.

Vadodara's Mira Erda continued to rule the women's category finishing ahead of all the ladies for the sixth consecutive time.

Coimbatore's Megaa KS (45) and Anushriya Gulati (28) were in the hunt behind her.

Ikshan Shanbag from Satara claimed the JK Tyre Red Bull Road to Rookies, winning both the races over the weekend. He maintained a clean slate after showing his class in Round 1 too. In the final race he was followed

by Aditi Krishnan from Bengaluru in second position while Aryan Gaurav from Pune settled for third.

Sai Prithvi S from JK Tyre College Cup

LGB Formula 4 race11 winners

COIMBATORE

Raghul and Vishnu in command

Chennai's Vishnu, Pune's Tanay

back in lead

Mumbai's Aaroh Ravindra clinches Novice Cup

C

the championship, claiming the JK Tyre Novice Cup title that drew to a close, amid rain and sunshine.

Mumbai's Aaroh Ravindra too stamped his authority in

Formula LGB 4: In Race 1, Diljith from Dark Don Racing made the most of the day to take the maximum possible 10 points. Diljith's teammates, Sandeep Kumar A (20:52.462 minutes) and Ashwin Datta (20:55.619),

hennai's Vishnu Prasad and Pune's Tanay Gaikwad regained the pre-eminent positions in the JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship 2019, shooting to the top of the table in their respective categories as Round 3 which concluded on Sept. 29.

18 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

took the other two places on the podium. Vishnu Prasad finished fourth while championship leader Raghul Rangasamy settled for the fifth place.

MSport's Vishnu Prasad, who slipped from top of the table having a bad second round and had slipped, reasserted his supremacy, winning one race and taking the second position. In all, he collected 23 points over

the weekend to become the championship leader again with 68 points. In Race 2, Balaprasath AS from MSport was the winner followed by his teammate Vishnu Prasad in second position while Ashwin Datta from Dark Don Racing came third.

After the Race 3 win Vishnu toppled teammate Raghul Rangasamy, who picked up only 16 points to muster a total of 63. Raghul finished

NATL RACING, R3 Ladies class winners LGB Formula 4

Gixxer Cup action

LGB Formula 4 winners

Gixxer Cup winners

in second position followed

by Ashwin Datta in third, his third in a row.

Dark Don's Diljith TS, who began the round with a resounding win, finished sixth and fifth in Sunday's races to hold on to his third position on the table with 48 points.

Gixxer Cup: In Race 1, Pune's Tanay Gaikwad made the most of Bengaluru lad Muzammil Ali's misfortune.

The two riders, who were tied at the top of the leaderboard at the start of the round, were engaged in a keen tussle before Muzammil fell off the bike to clear the path for his closest rival. Tanay clocked a total of 14:10.820 minutes to complete his stipulated

10 laps and finished ahead of the pack to the top of the charts. Bengaluru's Jagadeesh N finished just two seconds off Tanay to take the second place while Sidharth Sajan of Coimbatore took 14:17:570 to finish third on the podium.

In Race 2, Syed Muzammil Ali from Bengaluru came back strongly to win the race by clocking 14:12.167.

Tanay Gaikwad fell short of 0.3 milli seconds and had to settle for second position but managed to keep the lead in the championship.

Sidharth Sajan from Coimbatore held on to the third position after finishing third on the podium in both the races. He took his total tally to 31 points.

Novice cup winners

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 19

NATL RACING,R3

COIMBATORE

But things did not go as per the plan and he could log in a single in either of the races on Day 1, which spiced up the title hunt and made it a three-way fight between him, his teammate Chirag Ghorpade and MSport's Mohammed Ryan on the final day.

In the final race of the class saw Chirag Ghorpade from Momentum Motorsports on top followed by Adithya Swaminathan from MSport in second position while his teammate Himanshu Thukral settled for third.

Diljith leading the way

Himanshu Thukral 2nd runner-up

Raghul Rangasamy in action

Novice Cup: In Race 1, Mohammed Ryan of MSport won with a good amount of lead while his teammate Chirag Ghorpade finished second behind him as Mihir Avalakki of Birel Art took the third position.

Himanshu Thukral of MSport finished second in Race 2 behind his teammate Ryan, the winner in both the races. Kishore of DTS Racing claimed the third position.

Championship leader from Momentum Motorsports Aaroh Ravindra after the first two rounds fell behind, 2O AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

suffering a DNS and then a DNF on a disastrous Saturday. He, however, collected 4 points in the concluding race which were enough to corner the Champion's trophy. Aaroh had a total of 56 points, which was good enough to pip Chirag Ghorpade (52) and Mohamed Ryan (48) in the title race.

The Momentum Motorsports driver came into the championship round with a lead of 13 points and it was expected to be a cakewalk for him.

First Corner rush

GYMKHANA

SOUTH KOREA

Achintya takes third in Solo knockouts

Team India finishes 4th in Asia Auto Gymkhana Round 2

T

he 2nd round of the Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship was hosted at Inje Speedium Circuit in South Korea. A total of 9 teams were present. Achintya Mehrotra, Sahil Khanna and Khyati Mody represented Team India. The seven teams were India, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines. The official car was Kia K3 GT, a 1.6 Turbo GDI pumping 204 HP & 275 NM torque with a 7 Speed DCT. There were four patterns namely Pattern A for Solo qualifying, pattern B with Solo knockout, Pattern C for Double qualifying and Knockout while pattern D was for team knockout. Team India qualified 2nd out the 8 teams that participated, qualifying in last position owing to a wrong penalty that was given by the

marshal. In the double knockouts, India went head to head against Philippines to which they lost. In the Solo Knockout Sahil Khanna was lined up against Taiwan's driver to whom he lost owing to course deviation and so did Khyati Mody who was lined up against the Singapore driver Jeremy Low. Meanwhile, Achintya Mehrotra beat the Philippines driver to advance into the next round and lined up against Korea's lady driver whom he won against as the Korean driver got a 2-min course deviation penalty.

Eventually, Achintya came 3rd for Team India in the solo knockouts. India's final race of the day was against Team Taiwan for the 3rd place position in the Team round.

However, that also didn't go as planned and Team India had to settle for 4th Place.

action

Achintya Mehrotra third in Solo class NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 21

VADODARA

Yuvraj Kondedeshmukh winner JrSX1

Rugved Barguje takes top honours Yuvraj Kondedeshmukh gives tough fight but loses in the tie PHOTO BY: VIKRAM SUNDHARA MOORTHY

R

ugved Barguje of TVS Racing claimed the top spot at Vadodara in the round three of MRF MoGrip National Supercross Championship.

Rugved Barguje from TVS Racing and Yuvraj Kondedeshmukh from Ajmera Racing ended up with a tie of 37 points each.

Pramod Joshua from Bengaluru finished third with 28 points, CD Jinan from TVS Racing finished fourth with 26 points,

22 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Foreign Open class Moto 2 winners

Mahesh VM from Thrissur with 24 points finished fifth.

In the Foreign Open class group A, Yuvraj Kondedeshmukh was at his best as he finished on top followed by Rugved Barguje in second position. CD Jinan had to settle for third position. Pramod Joshua and Mahesh VM finished fourth and fifth respectively.

In the second moto, Rugved Barguje claimed the top spot while Yuvraj had to settle for second position.

NATL SUPERCROSS Joshua finished third. Fifth position was bagged by Mahesh and Jinan had to settle for sixth position.

Local boys winner Mustafa Namdar comp 19

In Novice Group C category, Abhi S Nath from Thrissur was the winner followed by Sachin D from TVS Racing in second position. Rajendra RE also from TVS Racing, came third. Kali Mohan and Shaikh Muzain lined up in fourth and fifth positions, in that order.

In the locals Group B class, Mustafa Namdar was the winner followed by Priyank Mahadik in second and Raihan Shaikh settled for third.

Abhi S Nath Novice class winner comp 68

The Indian Expert class C was dominated by TVS Racing riders, Nataraj R was the winner followed by Rajendra RE in second position while Sachin D settled for third. Kali Mohan and Sabrish R shared the fourth and fifth positions.

The private expert class was bagged by Abhi S Nath from Thrissur. Riders from Coimbatore R Sabarish and Karan Kumar came second and third respectively.

Vikram Sekhar and Yogesh P finished fourth and fifth, in that order.

In the Double moto SX2 Group A category, Yash Pawar from Nashik with 35 points was the winner followed by Pramod Joshua from Bengaluru in second position with 34 points.

Mahesh VM from Thrissur with 33 points stood third.

Prithvi Singh and Kayan Patel settled for fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

In Junior SX1, the two-moto class, Yuvraj Kondedeshmukh from Ajmera Racing won both the motos to lead the class. He was followed by Shlok Ghorpade from Satara in second spot while Jinendra Sangave from Ichal Karanji came third as he shared equal number of 28 points and lost in the tie. Jay Jadhav and Tanika Shanbhag were fourth and fifth, in that order.

Shlok Ghorpade won the Junior SX2 class which had two motos. He was followed

by Ikshan Shanbhag from Satara with 33 points in second position. Jinendra Shangave with 32 points finished third. Akshat Huple from Pune was fourth and Aleena Shaikh from Bengaluru stood fifth.

Sx2 Group A winner Yash Pawar comp 5

Indian expert winner Nataraj comp 16

Junior class winners NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 23

CHENNAI

Rajiv Sethu, Ryhana Bee, Venkatesan continue to win Ahamed leads TVS sweep in PS 301-400 class while Anish Shetty heads full Honda podium in PS 201-300 category PHOTO BY: ANAND PHILAR / SRINIVASA KRISHNAN

K

Y Ahamed led a podium sweep for TVS Racing in the premier Pro-Stock 301400cc category while Anish Shetty spearheaded a 1-2-3 finish for Idemitsu Honda Ten10 Racing while notching his fifth consecutive win in the ProStock 201-300cc class. For the 21-year old Chennaibased Sethu, it was his sixth win in a row. Another Chennai lad Venkatesan, scored his fourth win on the trot, as the fourth round of

the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship concluded in Chennai on Sept. 8.

Girls Category: Ryhana Bee, the 22-year old from Chennai, notched her third consecutive win to give herself a 35-point lead over defending champion and Sparks Racing teammate Ann Jennifer who finished second ahead of Alisha Abdullah of Alishaa Racing.

Pro-Stock 301-400cc: In Race1, Deepak Ravikumar, a

24 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

businessman from Chennai and a versatile racer who is a familiar figure on the podium in the National car racing championship, started the race from P3, eased his way past polesitter and team-mate Jagan Kumar and Alishaa Racing's Amarnath Menon to hit the front. With Jagan retiring due to a mechanical issue midway through the six-lap race, Ravikumar opened up a big lead.

However, with two laps remaining, he had to deal

with an errant sprocket, but he managed to nurse the wobbly bike over the finish line, just ahead of Rahil Shetty from Sparks Racing and Amarnath Menon from Alishaa Racing.

In Race 2, Ahamed scripted a big cheer for TVS Racing on a weekend dominated by arch-rivals Honda.

Ahamed managed to finish ahead of his mentor and former seven-times National champion Jagan Kumar who finally picked up his first points this weekend while Deepak finished third.

2W NATL RACING, R4 Podium sweep for TVS Racing in Pro-Stock 301-400cc class

Venkatesan (No.59), winner of the Novice (Stock 165cc) race A 1-2-3 for Idemitsu Honda Ten10 Racing in Pro-Stock 165cc class

Pro-Stock 201-300cc: In Race 1, Anish Shetty from Idemitsu Honda Ten10 Racing was the winner followed by his teammate Abhishek Vasudev as Mithun Kumar PK from Honda Erula Atomic Racing in third.

Race 2, the sole podium belonged to Idemitsu Honda Ten10 Racing. Anish was on the winning spree followed by Abhishek in second while Aravind Balakkrishnan finished third.

Pro-Stock 165cc: In Race 1, the 21-year old Chennai star Rajiv Sethu, started from pole position but lost two positions in the very first lap as Jagan Kumar established a massive lead. However, Jagan crashed in the third lap, leaving Sethu in the lead. Sethu kept his cool despite close attention from Ahamed and teammate Sarath Kumar to post his fifth straight win of the championship.

Race 2, Sethu, starting from pole position, had another poor start due to electrical problems, but he recovered quickly to tuck in behind Sarath Kumar even as two

key TVS Racing rivals, Jagan Kumar and KY Ahamed, retired due to engine problems. Sethu and Sarath exchanged lead until the last lap when the former moved to the front for his sixth consecutive win. Sarath was content to follow home in second place while teammate Kevin Kannan crossed the finish line in third position for his maiden podium of the season.

Novice Stock 165cc: In Race 1, Venkatesan had to work hard for his win that was reduced to four laps from scheduled six following a multiple-bike pile-up immediately after the start, leading to red flag and restart. After a poor start from pole position saw him drop a few positions, Venkatesan fought his way to the front for a deserving third consecutive win. followed by Mohan Babu from Rockers Racing in second while Abhimanyu Gautham finished third.

Race 2, Venkatesan from MotoManiacz Racing was the winner followed by his teammate Manoy Y in second while Abhimanyu Gautam settled for third.

Jagan from TVS Racing in action

Deepak Ravikumar (No.25), winner of the Pro-Stock 301-400cc race NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 25

HONDA ONE MAKE

CHENNAI

Md Mikail, Lal Nunsanga dominate The Idemitsu Honda Talent Cup showcases the Moto3 spec NSF 250R bikes PHOTO BY: ANAND PHILAR / SRINIVASA KRISHNAN

I

n the Honda one-make championship, held along with the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship, Mohamed Mikail showed his prowess to bag a triple crown while Lal Nunsanga from Aizwal dominated the CBR150 class.

Triple for Md Mikail: The 15year old Md Mikail, riding the FIM Moto3-spec NSF 250R in the Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup one-make championship completed a 26 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

treble this weekend as he zipped to his fifth consecutive win and sixth in seven starts.

Idemitsu Honda Talent Cup – NSF 250R: In Race 1, Mikail from Chennai clocked 10:59.155 for a deserving win while Geoffrey Emmanuel also from Chennai came second timing 11:09.952. Sarthak Shrikant Chavan from Pune with a difference of over a second finished third. In Race 2, once again Mikail dominated the race with a

time of 10:58.935. Varoon Sadasivam from Chennai clocked 11:03.295 to finish second while Kritik Vasant Habib from Gadag timed 11:11.955 to take third spot.

In the Race 3, it was Mikail’s third win of the weekend.

He clocked 14:38.263 while Geoffrey Emmanuel came second with 14:49.888 and Kritik Vasant Habib timed 14:50.114 to settle for third.

Honda CBR 150: Race 1, was a very-closely fought battle between the top-three as all

finished within a second. Lal Nunsanga from Aizwal clocked 13:14.704 to win followed by Samuel Martin from Bengaluru in second position. Martin clocked 13:14.798. S Rajdashwanth from Trichy posted a time of 13:14.922 for third. In the 6lap Race 2, it was a back-toback win for Lal Nunsanga.

The Aizwal lad timed 13:13.907, while Samuel Martin came second in 13:15.559. S Rajsaswanth settled for third position clocking 13:15.960.

TVS ONE MAKE

CHENNAI

Double for Venkatesan

Anand R, Vivek Pillai, Zena share spoils in other classes

I

n the TVS one-make championships, held along with the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship Venkatesan I, Anand R, Vivek Pillai S and Lani Zena Fernandez shared the limelight in different classes as the last round concluded at MMRT in Chennai in October.

TVS Open RR310: In Race 1, localite S Vivek Pillai was the winner followed by Anup Kumar who finished in second position with a three-second difference while Arun Muthukrishnan settled for third, a further 4 sec behind. In Race 2, Anand R from Chennai was the winner with a total time

of 15:56.926. Race 1 winner Vivek Pillai came second a mere 1.5 sec behind while Anup Kumar was third with a further 4 sec difference.

Novice RTR 200: Race-1 was cut short to 4 laps and Venkatesan from Chennai topped the class followed

by Veera Ashwin Lal M from Madurai with a difference of 1.6 seconds. Annish Samson D from Bengaluru finished third another 4 sec behind.

Alwin Sundar also had a very close finish in third position.

Girls class: The 5-lap race was clinched by Lani Zena Fernandez from Puducherry with a total time of

11:20.428. Nivetha Jessica from Chennai came second a huge 16 seconds behind and Lakiya Lee Charles also from Chennai was pushed to the third by a mere 0.2 mill second difference.

In Race2, all the winners were from Chennai.

Venkatesan had a back-toback win while Manoy Y settled for second with just a half-wheel distance between him and the winner at the finish line.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 27

CHENNAI

Sarath Kumar (69), winner of the Pro-Stock 165cc race

Deepak, Sarath annex National titles Venkatesan, Ryhana Bee dominate their classes to bag 2019 titles PHOTO BY: ANAND PHILAR / SRINIVASA KRISHNAN

D

eepak Ravikumar of TVS Racing annexed the premier ProStock 301-400cc title while Sarath Kumar of Honda clinched the Stock 165cc crown after 11 years as the fifth and final round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship saw the 2019 season conclude at the MMRT in September.

Pro-Stock 301 to 400cc: Race1, was reduced from six 28 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

to four laps due to a crash involving Jagan Kumar from TVS Racing and Satyanarayana Raju from Gusto Racing. After the race, Gusto Racing's Karthik Mateti from Hyderabad was declared winner ahead of fellow-Hyderabadi Rahil Pillari Shetty of Sparks Racing and Chennai's KY Ahamed TVS Racing finished third. Race2, Deepak Ravi Kumar from TVS Racing was the winner

followed by Karthik Mateti in second position as Rahil Shetty from Sparks Racing finished third. The Championship winner was Deepak Ravikumar.

Pro-Stock 201 to 300cc: In Race1, Anish D Shetty from Idemitsu Honda Ten 10 Racing finished on top in the 4 lap race followed by Mathana Kumar S from Honda Erula Atomic Racing in second position while his teammate Mithun Kumar PK

finished third. In Race2, Anish Shetty was the winner and he was the winner of the championship with seven wins on the trot, followed by Naresh Babu from Eneos Honda Chandra Racing in second as Aravind Balakrishnan finished third.

Novice Stock 165cc: Race 1 belonged to Harayana's rider Abhimanyu Gautam from Sparks Racing. Manoj Y from Team Motomaniacz Racing came second while

2W NATL RACING Stock 165 Race 2 winners

Stock 165 Ladies class winners

Pro stock 301-400 Race 2 winners

Annish Samson from Team Speed-up Racing was third.

Race2 once again fell in the kitty of Championship winner Venkatesan as he beat his teammate Manoj Y to second position and S Aravind stood third.

Pro-Stock165cc: In Race 1, the six-lap race was reduced to four laps as it was redflagged due to a big crash involving two riders Akash C and Anand R at the back of the field. Experienced Sarath Kumar from Idemitsu Honda Ten10 Racing eked out a close win over TVS Racing's Jagan Kumar who finished second with a very close gap. K Kannan also from Idemitsu Honda Ten 10 Racing finished third and Sethu finished fifth.

In Race 2, Jagan Kumar was the winner followed by Kevin Kannan in second and Sarath Kumar finished third.

But Sarath Kumar had sufficient points to win the Championship.

Girls Stock 165cc: Defending champion Ann Jennifer from Sparks Racing was the winner followed by Alisha Abdullah from Alisha Racing and Lani Zena Fernandez from Demonz Racing who came third, had to loose her position as she was disqualified for technical violations after the race and Rhyana Bee was elevated to third position.

She needed to finish above sixth to keep the lead and she won the championship comfortably.

"Since I had a bad qualifying session, I started only fourth on the grid and with the championship in stake, I was intent on collecting points without taking any risks.

This is my first National championship title and I am extremely happy. My thanks to my team, Sparks Racing, Yamaha and all the mechanics who worked behind the scene," said Ryhana.

MMRT-Pro stock 165 Race 2 winners

Pro stock 201-300 Race 1 winners

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 29 Stock 165 Ladies-Champion-Ryhana Bee in action

HONDA ONE MAKE

CHENNAI

PHOTO BY: SRINIVASA KRISHNAN

Mikail dominates

Aizwal rider Lal Nunsanga crowned champion in CBR 150 class

C

hennai lad Mohamed Mikail and Lal Nunsanga from Aizwal dominated the Honda One-Make series which were held along with the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship as the 2019 season concluded at the MMRT in September.

NSF 250R: In Race1, 15-year old Mohamed Mikail from Chennai chalked up his sixth consecutive win and seventh from eight starts in the NSF 250R category of the Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup. Finishing second behind Mikail was 12-year old Sarthak Shrikant Chavan from Pune ahead of Gadag's 19-year old Kritik 3O AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Vasanth Habib who settled for third position.

In Race2, all the top three positions were bagged by localites. Md Mikail won with a comfortable 5second lead followed by Kavin Samaar Quintal in second while Charan Thangavel with a distinct 15-sec difference came in third.

It was a clean sweep for Mikail as he won the ďŹ nal race of the round. He was followed by Kritik Vasant Habib in second position and Kavin Samaar Quintal settled for third position.

Md Mikail was declared the champion of this class.

CBR 150: Lal Nunsanga from Aizwal won the Race1 with a

lead of over three seconds on AS James from Chennai who ďŹ nished in second position. Samuel Martin from Bengaluru by clocking a total time of 13:15.938 and 2 seconds behind Martin, settled for third position.

Lal Numsanga was at it again in the Race2 as he won with a lead of over a second on S Rajdaswanth from Trichy. Samuel Martin settled for third position. Lal Nunsanga from Aizwal was adjudged the champion in this class.

TVS ONE MAKE

CHENNAI

Arvind Ganesh 2019 TVS Open champion Venkatesan, Nivetha Jessica emerge 2019 champs in TVS Novice, Ladies classes respectively

A

rvind Ganesh and Venkatesan were declared as champions for 2019 in the TVS One-Make series which were held along with the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship as the 2019 season concluded at the MMRT in September.

TVS Open RR 310: Soorya PM from Chennai clocked a total time of 11:56.038 to win the Race1. Anand R came second in a time of 11:57.899 sec while Sivanesan Sethu a further three seconds behind settled for third position.

The 8-lap Race 2, once again belonged to localites as Anand R who clocked 15:56.785 won the race

beating Aravind Ganesh to second as the latter timed 15:58.363. Soorya PM the winner of Race 1 had to settle for third position.

Aravind Ganesh topped the points table to become the champion of this class for 2019.

Novice RTR 200: In Race 1, Anish Samson from Bengaluru won clocking 13:13.028 and Manoj Y from Chennai came second in 13:13.061. Ullas Santrupt, also from Bengaluru, clocked 13:13.188 to take the third place.

Race 2 was dominated by the championship leader Venkatesan from Chennai as he clocked 13:17.268 to win the race and seal the championship. Manoj Y

timed 13:17.325 to secure second position while Anish Samson, the Race 1 winner, ďŹ nished third. Venkatesan I from Chennai was the champion in the class for 2019.

Girls RTR200: The 5-lap race was dominated by Chennaites. Lakiya Lee

clocked 11:29.416 to win the race beating Nivetha Jessica to second position with a wide gap. Jessica timed 11:39.457 while Haritha Muralikrishnan who clocked 11:40.534 ďŹ nished third.

Nivetha Jessica won the championship with 104 points.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 31

GOA

Gearing up with the Racing brand which was attended by over 2,500 people, is a congregation of Apache Owners Groups (AOGs) as well as riding enthusiasts from across the globe making it an ideal platform to launch the Racing Performance Gear.

MotoSoul will be an annual event with MotoSoul 2019 being the first edition.

"TVS Racing, since 1982 has always been driven by its RACING DNA and youthful passion. TVS Racing inspired brands such as TVS Apache series and TVS NTORQ 125 have

Motorcycles, Music and Merriment witnessed at MotoSoul 2019 PHOTO BY: KESHAVA MURTHY / SM BOOTHEM, TEXT BY: SM BOOTHEM

A

fter a successful stint with its mopeds, scooters, motorcycles and threewheelers, TVS Motor has now introduced TVS Racing Performance Gear at the recently concluded MotoSoul 2019 event in Goa for the safety of the riders and racing enthusiasts.

Being one of the leading manufacturer of two32 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

wheelers in India, safety of the riders is always on top priority for the company.

TVS Motor at its maiden annual event for racing enthusiasts – MotoSoul 2019 launched the TVS Racing Performance Gear. It combines premium build quality with stylish new-age urban design. MotoSoul 2019, a two-day event,

become the preferred ride of the youth and racing enthusiasts. This tribe is growing fast not only in India but across the world and they have turned out in large numbers for the very first MotoSoul. The launch of TVS Racing Performance Gear would promote passionate young riders to ride responsibly. The passion for riding within our young audience keeps pace only with their keen sense of style to which the urban wear range caters.

This will enhance brand intimacy with both serious racers and the young

TRACKING BRANDS enthusiasts alike. Three decades of unleashing RACING DNA makes this is a yet another significant milestone," said Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor at the launch. The products are currently available with the dealers of the company across the country. The company is also planning to sell online and talking to sports and other merchandise for distribution. TVS Racing Performance Gear will be available in two categories – Riding gear, helmets, riding jackets, riding pants, riding gloves and riding boots.

Apart from these products, the company is also selling T-shirts, jackets, pants, rain wear, casual boots, bag packs, caps and sunglasses to cover the complete range of accessories. Each product has been carefully designed for the comfort and convenience of the riders.

All these products were displayed at the pavilion at MotoSoul event. Racing

enthusiasts and riders can also log on to accessories.tvsmotor.com to check the products, the features, prices and select their choice.

Talking about the maiden event of TVS Racing MotoSoul, the officials say it strengthens the strong bond with Apache Owners Group and other performance motorcycle enthusiasts across the world celebrating their love for riding. On the other side of the MotoSoul event, there were a number of adventure activities for the rider community to test their riding skills. The company also took this opportunity to introduce their team for Dakar rally, touted to be one of the toughest rallies in the world. To keep the crowd in a cheerful mood, it added an attraction to the event with live music performances by leading Indian Rock bands and noted DJs.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 33

GOA

Naresh VS

Open class action

finishes on top as women rule the track MotoSoul 2019, a big success; Sherco TVS factory riders dazzle PHOTO BY: KESHAVA MURTHY

N

aresh VS from Bengaluru wins the maiden Dirt Track at the Motosoul event held on the Hill top, at Vagator in Goa. Events like Dirt Track for boys and girls, slow race, Motocross Fit for boys and girls, obstacle race and stunt show were part of MotoSoul 2019. It was a movearound, and watch for the spectators. Day 1 of Dirt Track and 34 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Motocross Fit was washed out due to heavy rain. The events were rescheduled to October 19, and the remaining activities went on till it began to rain.

After the media brieďŹ ng and before the media ride, the European Sherco TVS factory riders performed their skills on the 500m track with the RTR450cc dirt bikes for over 6 laps. Over

Relaxing moments at the festive site

Music arena entrance

DIRT TRACK

Leading the way

Ladies class winners - dirt track

TVS Apache upto 200cc open Sherco TVS factory riders in action

49 Journalists tried out the Apache RTR 200 with 5 laps each as the first lap was escorted by Samuel from TVS Racing.

Motocross Fit: Over 60 were in fray for the final day which included 5 girls. They had to perform from six stations, apart from a single-lap ride on a motorcycle. The time started as the motorcycle took off for the single lap, then they had to remove their racing gears and head towards the first station with a pair of Dumbbell to be carried for 50 metres and dropped, adjacent to it was the rope, they had to swing it for 40 times and there on for a count of 25 skipping. Once they finish it they had to flip the tractor

rear tyre for 5 times upward and then downward and head towards the dips section for 25 counts. Then come running to the finish which was once again about 50 metres.

From the final 27 in boys section, Zabiulla Mulla was the winner. He beat Naresh VS to second position while Suhail Ahmed settled for third place.

Out of the final 5 girls, Ryhana Bee was the winner followed by Lakiya Lee in second. Arpitha VM finished third.

Ladies class winners- Motocross fit

Slow Race: It was a 50m-track running parallel. Out of the 61 participants in fray Pragadeesh was the winner followed by Sandeep in

Winners of Motocross fit for men NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 35

GOA

upto 160cc class action

second and Roshan in third.

The best part is this section offered vehicles on hire.

Obstacle Race: The three categories of Obstacle course attracted close to 50 participants.

Krishnamurthy won the 180 category out of the 9 participants. In the 200 category, out of the final 34 participants, Abinav was the winner followed by Vaishnav in second and T Pragadeesh in third. The 310 category saw the fight between the final six participants and Jatin A Kandre was the winner followed by Ganesh P and Pratik Vilas Chavan in that order.

Dirt Track: With a lot of activities lined up for the day, the dirt track was fully occupied since the morning. The dampness on the surface had started drying up as too many runs took place since 7.30 am.

After the selection process with two Motos, the final-10 were on the grid in the Group C 200cc. The 1-lap race provided a few exciting 36 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

moments for the spectators.

Naresh managed to stay ahead from the first lap while Suhail Ahmed, despite a good start, had to slip down a couple of times, and he did rise up, though.

During the final stages, he had to try very hard to reach the second spot. Dharnish managed to finish third.

In the Group C 180cc class, out of the final seven on the start line, Naresh VS was able to once again dominate the class finishing on top. Balakrishna Adake finished a distant second while Shabuddin Syed came third.

The class which kept the spectators on their heels was the Ladies' class, with the five forced to settle it out in the 5 laps. Suhani Gaurav proved the saying s̀low-and-steady wins the race'. Ryhana Bee A was dominant till the first corner but intermediate gear at the first corner pulled her back on to the track. There on, Suhani was free to go as the remaining four took some time coming out of the group. Ryhana tried a couple of times to climb up

the order and succeeded on a couple of occasions but finally when she tried going past Lakiya Lee, she once again had to withdraw and settle for third. Most aggressive was Lakiya throughout the race. Three corners before the finish, she had almost scaled to top but ran out of luck and slid back. She still managed to finish in second position.

In Group D 160cc class Suhail Ahmed initially kept his cool running behind in second position. But as the

Tyre flip part of Motocross fit ladies class

Obstacle race in process

DIRT TRACK

Stunt show in process

Rope swing part of Motocross fit, Suhail in action

finishing laps started approaching he scaled up to finish first. In Group D 200cc, he was the sole winner.

Stunt show: The most-crowded of all the sessions was the stunt show

Apache upto 200cc Open class

which saw a huge turnout on both the days as various participants exhibited their talent. Out of the final 16 participants who roared their engines, Sojin was the winner followed by Sachin in second position and Shreyak N in third.

Aishwarya Pissay wishing the ladies class participants NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 37

MYSURU

Younus Ilyas wins, fastest in Mysuru Fest Dean Mascarenhas tops Indian Open while Shivani Pruthvi clinches Ladies Class PHOTO BY: KESHAVA MURTHY

T

he 4th edition of the Mysuru Dasara Gravel Fest was dominated by Ilyas from Kerala, driving a Rallyprepared Mitsubishi Cedia, at the Lalith Mahal grounds near the foothills of The Chamundi Hill, in Mysuru.

The twin track was over 2km and was created on a gravel surface with a crossover ramp, as two cars were taking the start together.

The track which is usually

38 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Fastest Driver of the day Younus

RALLY CROSS

Kannada Film actor Darshan at the flag-off

Dean Mascarenhas winner Indian Open class

Ladies class winners

dusty, had for some time lost its identity, till the first class came to an end, due to overnight rain. The jampacked crowd both in the stands and across the barricading were unmoved till the last car crossed the finish line, proving the affinity of Mysurians toward motorsports.

Ganapathy, also from Bengaluru, driving a Maruti M800 timed 2:29.991 to settle for third position.

Shafi Ahmed from Virajpet driving a Maruti M800 came fourth in 2:30.699. The fifth position was bagged by Sumesh M from Ernakulam in a time of 2:31.495.

The two-day event was part of the post-Dasara Celebrations 2019, the best part of this edition was the full support of the Department of Tourism and the local administration, apart from the regualr sponsors.

were 23 drivers were in fray in this class. Achintya Mehrotra from New Delhi, driving a Maruti Swift tuned by team FRK Racing, clocked 2:15.550 to win the

Up To 1101 to 1400cc: There class beating Ashad Pasha from Chikkamagaluru in a Maruti Swift. Pasha clocked 2:21.384 to hold on to

second position. Lokesh V Gowda from Bengaluru driving a Maruti Esteem clocked 2:21.811 to secure

Up To 1100cc: The day began with about 18 cars in fray, a few initial drivers were unable to make a good timing as the surface was wet due to overnight rains. As the day went on, drivers improved on their timings and by then top drivers like Baban Khan, AR Shabbir, Pramod Raman, Vishal Tiwari and so on had finished their run. Suraj Mandanna MP from Virajpet, driving a Maruti Alto, clocked 2:27.333 to win the class. Faiz Rahman from Bengaluru, driving a Maruti Zen, clocked 2:28.650 to finish second in the class. Abhinav

Cross over at the ramp NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 39

MYSURU secure fourth and fifth position was bagged by Pragathi Gowda, also from Bengaluru, in 2:59.293.

Indian Open: Dean

Suhem Kabeer 1st runner-up Apex class

third position. AR Shabbir from Bengaluru driving a Maruti Swift managed to clock 2:22.328 and finished fourth and Samridh Nanjappa from Coorg driving a Maruti Swift came fifth in 2:23.701.

1401 to 1650cc: With 26 drivers competing against each other, the top 15 rally drivers were seen in action as they provided the muchawaited and anticipated close-finish competition.

High-speed drifts and a few high-speed corners raised huge dust as the crowd cheered every parallel run and photo finish.

Dean Mascarenhas from Mangaluru driving a VW Polo dominated the class.

He clocked 2:10.297 to win the class with the corner taken by him, cheered by the crowd. Suhem Kabeer from Coorg, also driving a VW Polo, clocked 2:10.556 to finish in second position.

Den Thimmaiah from Mysuru in another VW Polo timed 2:12.054 to complete the podium in third.

Localite Syed Salman Ahmed driving a VW Polo clocked 2:12.082 to settle for fourth position with a mere 28-milliseconds difference. Younus Ilyas

Den Thimmaiah 2nd runner-up 1400 to 1600cc 4O AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

from Kollam in Kerala, driving a Honda ivtec, timed 2:13.048.

Ladies class: This class also had a very healthy competition with over 14 drivers in fray. Shivani Pruthvi from Davangere driving a Honda City clocked 2:29.759 to win the class. She was followed by Harshitha Gowda from Bengaluru in a Mitusubishi Cedia. She clocked 2:35.413 to finish second. Priyanka N from Bengaluru, driving a Skoda Rapid, came third in 2:58.845. Pallavi Yadav from Mumbai driving a Maruti SX4 clocked 2:58.939 to

Chetan Shivram in action

Mascarenhas, driving a VW Polo, clocked 2:07.809 to beat the 25-driver field and was the fastest till then and led the class. Suhem Kabeer driving a VW Polo was a second slower to finish in second position. Kabir clocked 2:08.826. Dr. Bikku Babu from Kerala, driving a VW Polo, clocked 2:09.917 to settle for third position.

Chetan Shivram from Bengaluru, also driving a VW Polo, clocked 2:10.690 and stood fourth. Ritesh M Guttedar from Bengaluru came fifth in 2:12.126.

Mysuru Novice class: With 16 participants part of this class, Vishwas DC driving a Maruti Swift, clocked 2:24.845 to be declared the winner. Rohith RS clocked 2:26.262 in a Honda City to take second while Jinu K Johnson also in a Honda City timed 2:27.754 to complete the podium in third place. The fourth place was bagged by Prajwal V, this too in a Honda City in a time of 2:32.324 and Yogarjun Kaladhar, also driving a Honda City, came fifth in 2:33.513.

SUV Open class: Sanjay

RALLY CROSS Agarwal from Bengaluru won the class driving a Maruti Vitara timing 1:15.743 beating 11 others in fray in this class.

Amanpreet Ahluwalia from Noida driving a Maruti Gypsy clocked 2:17.754 to take the second place.

Gagan Karumbaiah from Ammati also driving a Maruti Gypsy, came third in 2:18.269. Kariappa Mekerira from Bengalauru, on a Maruti Gypsy, clocked 2:24.733 to settle for fourth position. Jason Saldanha from Hassan, drove an Isuzu V-Cross to clock 2:26.452 and finished fifth.

Ascom Open class: With 26

Gagan Karumbaiah 2nd runner-up SUV class

participants in fray, Suhem Kabeer from Virajpet, driving a VW Polo, was the winner clocking the fastest time of 2:06.194. He was faster than Dean's earlier class timing. Dean finished second with a timing of

2:07.982 driving a VW Polo.

Dhruva Chandrashekar from Bengaluru also driving a VW Polo clocked 2:08.708 to finish in third position. BC Roopesh from Bengaluru also on a VW Polo clocked 2:09.209 for fourth while Chetan Shivram clocked 2:09.272 to settle for fifth.

Apex class: The top-10 who clocked the fastest timings were selected for this class.

This final run was worth to wait and watch as Younus Ilyas was at his best in this run as he clocked 2:05.568 to win the class. It was also the fastest timing of the event. Suhem Kabeer clocked 2:06.821 to finish second and Syed Salman with a timing of 2:07.552 came third. Dean Mascarenhas could only finish fourth with a timing of 2:07.784 and Dhruva Chandrashekar came fifth in 2:08.785.

CK Chinnappa, Somendar Singh during the flag-off with Dr. RaviPrakash

Roller Skating Asian silver medalist Anvita Sanjay Belwal flagging-off

Dhruva Chandrashekar 2nd runner-up Ascom open class NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 41

TURKEY

Gaurav Gill impressive Top drivers take notice as the Indian ace records some great stage timings

"It was one of the toughest weekends, rather the toughest rallies of my life.

Right from the beginning, it was diďŹƒcult to get into a good rhythm because the rally was so slow and twisty, with so many huge rocks and boulders around," Gaurav said.

42 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

WRC RALLY

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 43

NEW DELHI

ATMA Partners’ Summit “The industry is in urgent need to take a re-look at materials and processes and bring in new technologies to achieve sustainable manufacturing. The collaboration between the industry and raw material partners assumes all the more importance in this regard."

Mr KM Mammen Chairman ATMA

T

he recently concluded ATMA Partners' Summit 2019 focus on the coordination between tyre industry and supply chain partners ATMA Partners Summit 2019 gave a call for greater engagement between Tyre Industry and Raw Material partners with a view to collectively build on a more sustainable ecosystem and respond to the emerging challenges. The 4th edition of the iconic Tyre Industry event that took place at New Delhi witnessed largest participation of senior management from Tyre Industry and its Raw Material partners. This year's Partners Summit assumed all the more importance as it was focused on key ingredients such as Carbon Black, Zinc

44 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Oxide, Rubber Chemicals and Silica. "ATMA Partners' Summit celebrates the long-standing and time tested relationship between Tyre Industry and raw material partners. This year's deliberations centered around environmental impact of operations. Both materials and technology need to move in the trajectory of reducing environmental footprint " said Mr. Roopesh R, Convener ATMA Supply Chain & Resources (SCR) Group. "India's growth story is intact. India has retained its 'world's fastestgrowing economy' tag according to recent report by International Monetary Fund (IMF). We aspire to be $5 trillion economy by 2024-25.

We need to move from consumption-led economy to manufacturing economy to reach India's full potential.

Value addition is the key to become a manufacturing economy which will lead to job creation and improve ease of doing business. India's size and scale is an opportunity to be tapped", said the Chief Guest, Mr. Anil Srivastava, Principal Consultant & Mission Director, Mission on Transformative Mobility, NITI Aayog.

"ATMA Partners Summit is unlike any other industry conclaves. The presence of so many raw material partners exchanging notes with Tyre Industry so as to make the entire sector globally competitive makes it a special one which has few parallels in Indian industry" explains Mr. K M Mammen, Chairman ATMA. "There is little doubt that high logistics cost has been impacting price

SUMMIT

competitiveness of Indian industry, tyre companies being no exception to the same. As per ofďŹ cial ďŹ gures, the cost of logistics in India is about 14% of the country's GDP which is far higher as compared to other countries. We highly appreciate Government's

target to reduce it to 9% in the coming years", said Mr. Anshuman Singhania Vice Chairman, ATMA. "Without tyres, logistics can't be comprehended in India hence tyres and logistics are closely interlinked. One of our

major targets is reduction of logistics cost as a percentage of business turnover however that should not be construed as shrinking of logistics sector.

On the contrary, logistics need to be made much more competitive since high logistics cost impacts competitiveness of domestic goods in the international markets. As India aspires to be a $5 trillion economy in 5 years, the size of logistics sector will more than double to

$500 billion. Multimodality of logistics is the need of the hour" said Mr N Sivasailam.

On the occasion Tyre Safety awards were also conferred to those organisations who collaborated with ATMA closely in spreading the message of Tyre Care & Safety. Tyre safety corporate partner award was received

by Indian Oil. Training partner award went to JP Research and Satyug Darshan Instt. of Engg. & Tech. (SDIET) Faridabad received educational partner award. ATMA plans to spread awareness on the Tread Wear Indicator in collaboration with Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. Industry speakers and panelists travelled from different parts of the country to be a part of the Summit and add to the width and depth of deliberations. Four experts made a presentation each on Carbon Black (Mr Kaushik Roy, Managing Director, Phillips Carbon Black Ltd), Zinc Oxide (Mr Bhuwan Purohit, WTD & COO Rubamin Ltd), Rubber Chemicals (Mr R M Gadgil, President-Marketing, NOCIL Ltd) and Silica (Mr Darshak Shah, Managing Director, Madhu Silica).

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 45

JAIPUR

Talent Creation B

haratiya Skill Development University (BSDU), Jaipur is on a mission to create opportunities for a number of talented youngsters through its variety of academic, technical and training programmes to learn the basics of automotive industry, the manufacturing process and make them ready to work with the industry under the Skill Development programmes.

BSDU is a skill development university which is working towards bringing excellence in India by providing an appropriate environment, proper training, quality infrastructure, and welldesigned curriculum to be ready to compete at international levels.

Students get trained under experts and gain experience of working with machinery.

The university provides practical training to students and follow the system of 1 machine to one student to learn the technicalities of the machine under training.

BSDU works towards providing students training for the manufacturing industry and encourages them to build a career in manufacturing.

First Project of it’s kind in India BSDU is an initiative of the Joshi Foundation Switzerland instituted by 46 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Late Dr. Rajendra Joshi and his wife Mrs. Ursula Joshi, and is the ďŹ rst project of its kind in India. Dr. Joshi initiated this project for Skill Development based on the Swiss Dual System of training. Dual learning incorporates both vocational school learning and practical on-the-job training.

Under this initiative, the School of Automotive Skills was formed in 2017 with the mission to impart knowledge, technical skills, and hands-on training in automobiles, focusing on four wheelers, both petrol and diesel, tractor and agricultural implements. The program is designed to introduce the students to the operation of today's complex vehicles by giving them a comprehensive understanding from basic to advance, of various

automotive systems like transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, Electrical & Electronics, and Engine Performance. The course is focused on producing skilled manpower for Automotive service industry through regroups training, both at university

and at industry through its modular program structure.

Students under this program will acquire the necessary skills to diagnose and repair mechanical and computer controlled electronic systems on the latest models of automobiles. This helps

SKILL DEVELOPMENT them to develop into industry-ready talent for the manufacturing sector. "Our job is to support and give them an opportunity to showcase their skills", say BSDC officials.

The Indian auto industry is one of the largest in the world and it is also a major contributor to our economy and creates millions of jobs.

According to Indian Brand Equity Foundation, the industry accounts for 7.1 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). With such a huge market comes the requirement of skilled resources for after sales service of automobiles where trained manpower is required. The School will create a new benchmark in skill development in the Automotive Industry by developing a work force which will be an ideal blend of technical skills and managerial expertise.

“The curriculum of all programs offered by BSDU is designed in consultation with the industry and the concerned sector skill councils. For programs offered in Automotive Skills, BSDU receives full support from Industries and I am proud to say that BSDU assures 100% placements.

This will further strengthen the cooperation between BSDU and Automobile industries and will help to reduce the gap between industry and academia", says Dr.(Brig). Surjit Singh Pabla, Pro Chancellor, BSDU. The model of BSDU of skill education is to shape the careers of youth in the relevant skill sectors. BSDU has evolved B.Voc curriculum having 60% Skills and 40% General Education component.

“

"The curriculum of all programs offered by BSDU is designed in consultation with the industry and the concerned sector skill councils. For programs offered in Automotive Skills, BSDU receives full support from Industries and I am proud to say that BSDU assures 100% placements."

Dr.(Brig). Surjit Singh Pabla, Pro Chancellor, BSDU Jaipur

Upcoming project running on School of Automotive are stated below:

·

Working on to convert Maruti Suzuki Alto petrol variant into Electrical vehicle.

·

Started hand on training to the students for manufacturing and repairing in to 2 Wheeler section with support of Hero MotoCorp.

·

Start classes in upcoming semester on Electrical Vehicle.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 47

BENGALURU

Time Travel to Hoysala Temples A three-day treat of wholesome cultural fare PHOTO BY: KESHAVA MURTHY

I

t was a salubrious of September 19 when 22 teams were flagged off from Miraya Greens in Bannerghetta, Bengaluru to begin a TSD Hoysala Trail rally traversing across verdant fields for 1000 km over three days. With adrenalin pumping and the excitement of visiting some of the beautiful Hoysala temples in Karnataka, the rally began with auspicious Vedic chanting. The Hoysala Trail is the third in the series of rallies organised by Heritage Trust, which looks at bringing together a love for rallying, culture and nature preservation. Each team has 2-3 members all 48 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

of whom share a love for car rallies and culture. Good drives and journeys include selection of good halts at premium hotels. The first halt was the Dhruvatare hotel where packed lunch awaited pick-up.

Participants then proceeded to the first temple stop at Harnahalli. Soaked in peace, the Lakshminarasimha temple commanded respect. Ganesh Bhat explained the stories etched in the different panels, and they were witness to a history that is largely forgotten, sadly. At the next halt at the Amrutheswara temple in Amruthapura, participants observed

panels on the Bhagavatham, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The silken smooth pillars, the carved roof and the majestic Shiva Linga, made the trip unforgettable. As the sun began to set on the first day, the cars drove to the Central Orchid hotel in Shimoga, where a lovely Satwik dinner awaited. The second day, September 20, started with a simple but relaxing and energising short session of Yoga followed by a quick breakfast after which the teams set off to Koodli, lying at the confluence of Tunga and Bhadra rivers.

Relatively small, the Koodli

Rameshwara temple evokes much joy and piety. The rays of the sun shining on the river were breathtaking.

More and more people need to go out and experience these landscapes. From Koodli, the drive through areca nut groves and green cultivated lands led to the Veeranarayana Temple in Belawadi. The intricacy of carvings in this trikoota temple was stunning. There are three sanctums, one for Veeranarayana, second for Krishna and the third for Yoga Narasimha. From Belawadi, the cars proceeded to Hosaholalu.

The temple there is once

TSD RALLY

Flag off from Bannergatta road

Vedic chanting at the start

Overall winners

Winners group photograph

again a trikoota temple with Narayana, Venugopala and Yoga Narasimaha. The roof has friezes with great intricacy and detail. The night halt was at Country Inn and Suites in Mysore. As the final leg of the rally dawned, everyone was excited about finishing and winning. The first halt was Thondanoor, visiting Nambi Narayana and Venugopala temples. Some participants took time and saw the Ramanuja temple too. A drive through the beautiful countryside took us to the Mallikarjuna Temple at Basaralu ending with Dhruvatare hotel for a quick lunch and return to Miraya Greens. As the cars arrived each participant was given a beautifully hand-crafted Garuda medallion to mark their successful completion

of the rally. While the marshals were busy calculating the results, the participants were treated to a spectacular Bharatanatyam performance by Ashokavadhani, a senior member of the Raadha Kalpa Dance Company. The Hoysala Rally was not like any other. It is a three-day treat for those wishing to engage with India of the past and present. Driving through lush paddy fields, speaking to villagers, partaking of temple fare, listening to expert views on temple architecture, it is wholesome cultural fare.

The rallyists click picture after picture, holding on dearly to the beauty of the various places visited, before the mundane takes over.

Finding way out within the herd of sheeps

enroute on day two NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 49

THAILAND

th

Marc Marquez wins 6 MotoGP crown The Spanish rider dominates 2019 to bag his 8th World title PHOTO BY: SRINIVASA KRISHNAN

T

he talented Spanish rider, Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda Team, proved his mettle once again, winning the world championship for the eighth time. The defending champ, fought off Fabio Quartararo of Petronas Yamaha SRT for a stunning victory at Buriram to secure the 2019 MotoGP World Championship in style. It is his sixth premier class World title.

Thus, Marquez the youngest ever six-time MotoGP Champion, broke the record of Giacomo Agostini. He is 5O AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

also the youngest eighttime World Champion, another record held by Mike Hailwood. Now, Marquez joins Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini as one of the only three riders to have taken six or more premier class World Championships.

Marquez' rise to recordbreaker began in the 125 Championship in 2010, two years after making his debut on the world stage at 15.

From podium success as a rookie in that debut season, the number 93 rose to lift the crown in 2010.

In 2011 Marquez made the

move to Moto2 but a crash in the Malaysian Grand Prix practice ended his charge, as he suffered problems with his eyesight and was forced to forfeit the rest of the season. The subsequent winter was a worrying one as he sought to cure the problem, but surgery eventually got him back to fighting fit for 2012 and took the Championship.

From there, the premier class beckoned for 2013.

season yet. It started with another last corner defeat to Dovizioso, but next up Argentina was utter domination to set a tone – although the one hiccup of the year came right after as Marquez crashed in the Americas GP. He bounced back at Jerez and Le Mans to win two on the bounce, however, and only lost out at Mugello by hundredths before he was back on the top step at Catalunya.

In 2019, gunning for his sixth premier class title, Marquez' blossomed and can be termed as his best

The man behind him there would prove a presence for the rest of the Championship: Fabio

MOTO GP Champion-MarcMarquez

Jehan

moves up to 2nd

J

ehan Daruvala earned his sixth podium of the season and moved up into a clear second position, in the FIA Formula 3 championship standings at Round 6 in Spa, Belgium. Jehan got a sensational pole position earlier, his first in the series, which is a support event to the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix.

Quartararo. But despite a season of incredible rivals and races, the key to Marquez' success in 2019 has been consistency: even when beaten by Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) at Assen, out-duelled by Dovizioso in Austria or Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) at Silverstone; the times he didn't take the victory, the number 93 kept raking in the points and podiums. And he did win duels, including that which ultimately secured him the crown in Thailand – fighting off that very same Quartararo at the final corner.

So after a stunning season so far – because it's not even over yet – Marquez is crowned World Champion for the eighth time and the sixth in the premier class with nine wins, 14 podiums, and a whole host of new records for a man who already owns so many.

Moto3- AlbertArenas-LorenzoDallaPorta-AlonsoLopez

Moto2-LucaMarini-BradBinder-IkerLecuona

Jehan started well from pole and managed to exit the first corner ahead. However, Pedro Piquet, son of 3-time World F1 champion, Nelson Piquet, took advantage of Jehan's slip-stream to overtake him after Eau Rouge.

Thereafter, Jehan continued to lose ground and fell all the way to fourth.

The Indian then pushed hard and was able to slowly overtake one by one, and move up into second place, behind Piquet. Unfortunately for Jehan, a Virtual Safety Car was declared and the timing of the call affected him, causing him to lose 4 seconds.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 51

NATL KARTING

BENGALURU

Nirmal, Ruhaan, Ishaan crowned champs 11-year Pune girl, Shriya, catches the eye in the JK Tyre FMSCI X-30 Class National Karting Championship PHOTO BY: SHAJAHAN

C

hennai's Nirmal Umashankar and Bengaluru's Ruhaan Alva capped off their spectacular run in the X-30 class to emerge as National Champions in the JK TyreFMSCI National Karting Championship 2019 that concluded at Meco Kartopia in Bengaluru.

Nirmal, a regular on the JKNRC, collected a total of 23 points in the fifth and final rounds to amass 160 points to win the Senior category by a mile.

Bengaluru's Aditya Swaminathan (101 points) and Delhi's Debarun Banerjee (81) took the other two podium places in that order.

Meanwhile, local boy Ruhaan Alwa underlined his supremacy in the Junior Category by sealing the title in the first race of the fifth 52 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

round itself. He returned with a tally of 164 points, which was a clear points ahead. Citymate Arjun S Nair (134 points) was second and Chennai's Ryan Mohammed collected a total of 24 points to take the third position with a total of 91 points.

In the Cadet Category, it was Bengaluru's Ishaan Madhesh who maintained his vice-like grip on the championship as he lead the table and never looked back. Taking three more race wins he accumulated 36 points for a grand sum of 189 points. Shriya Lohia, a 11-year-old driver from Pune, picked up 27 points to end in the second place with 134 points. Another Pune driver Sai Shiva Makesh Sankaran finished third with a modest total of 117 points.

GIRLS ON TRACK

BENGALURU

Muskan Jubbal wins Girls-on-Track gala event 50 girls, including 8 from Nepal, take part in Karting Slalom PHOTO BY: SHAJAHAN

F

aridabad's Muskan Jubbal won the Karting Slalom crown to emerge as the star of the FIA Girls On Track (GoT) extravaganza in Bengaluru on September 8 with over 50 girls, including 8 from Nepal taking part in the event.

podium places in that order.

They went through the entire drill of starting on racing simulators before eventually competing in the go-karting and biking slaloms. In between, they underwent a batak reex test and a basic pit-stop to be set-up for proper racing.

The GoT programme which was held on the sidelines of the JK Tyre FMSCI National 4-stroke Karting Championship 2019, saw Muskan complete the course with an impressive timing of 1:40:91 minutes.

Junior girl from Coimbatore, Sharavantika Lakshmi won the second place with a timing of 1:51:62 mins while Dr Noorul Sara cornered the third position ďŹ nishing the task in 1:53:24 mins.

In the Biking Slalom, Sunita Deshar emerged victorious after she posted a time 1:35.34 while Sandhya Saranya from Chennai (1:43:93) and Sanjana Mohanraj of Bengaluru (2:24:03) took the other two NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 53

KARTING

BENGALURU

Vybhav Mukund claims Senior class win Megaa wins Ladies class while Shravanthika bags Junior class in Sodi Kart Sprint PHOTO BY: SHAJAHAN

V

ybhav Mukund, Megaa and Shravanthika shared the spoils in Round 1 of the Sodi Kart Sprint recently.

Local boy Vybhav Mukund annexed the Senior Category after he took just 11:29.585 mins to complete the 12 laps. Megaa KS, a JKNRC driver, took the second place with a time of 11:30.222 mins, while Yash Pickle of Baroda with 11:35.907 mins was third.

In the Ladies Category, Megaa KS lived up to her top billing and clinched the round with a timing of 9:32.606 mins. Another

54 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Coimbatore driver Sharavanthika Lakshmi claimed the second place with a time of 9:42.718 mins followed by Lalita Priya of Coimbatore who completed her stipulated 10 laps in a time of 9:58.818 mins.

In the Junior class, it was Shravanthika who stole the limelight once again as she took the top honours by posting a time of 9:47.876min while Bengaluru's Kshitiz Kumar took the second spot with a time of 9:52.871 mins.

Shreeansh Desai of Baroda ďŹ nished third by clicking 10:01.118 mins.

DRAG

CHENNAI

Hemanth Muddappa tops Drag race in record time Nivetha, Alisha share honours in Girls category PHOTO BY: ANAND PHILAR

B

engaluru's Hemanth Muddappa of Mantra Racing, astride a BMW S1000RR, expectedly dominated the two rounds of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2019 at the MMRT, Chennai and he also set a record fastest time on Oct 6, Sunday.

On Saturday, in Round-1 of the championship, Muddappa clocked 8.270 secs in the Un-restricted category and bettered that

in Round-2 that was run the following day, clocking a blistering 7.976 seconds for the 302-metre dash.

Nivetha Jessica of Speed Up Racing and Alisha Abdullah shared the honours across two rounds in the Girls category that made its debut in the National championship. Nivetha won the first round on Saturday in 16.516secs while Alisha timed 16.851 in the second round on Sunday.

In the 361 to 550cc class,

Anandhu KK won the Round 1 while Round 2 belonged to Aiyaz. 226 to 360cc Round 1 was bagged by Yogeshwaran. Alexander AS grabbed Round 2 win. In 166 to 225cc Round 1, Badusha M dominated and Deepak N took over the honours in Round 2. In 131 to 165cc class, Mohammed Rafiq won both the rounds.

In up to 130cc class, it was once again Mohammed Rafiq in command in both the rounds.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 55

CHENNAI

Raghul Rangasamy crowned

National champ again in MRF F1600 Rithvik Thomas, Dhruv Mohite and Ashwin Datta claim championship titles in other classes PHOTO BY: ANAND PHILAR

R

aghul Rangasamy, from the temple town of Mamallapuram near Chennai, was crowned the National Champion in the MRF F1600 category for the second year running, in the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship which concluded at the MMSC Circuit, near Chennai.

Rangasamy, 26, thus, earned a sponsored drive from MRF Tyres in one round of the Civic Cup Racing Championship in the United Kingdom. Although he finished fifth in the last race, he picked up enough points, by then, to retain the title garnering 138 points during 56 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

the week-end.

"I am thrilled at this opportunity to race abroad and thank MRF for this opportunity which came as a pleasant surprise for me.

As for this weekend, I came in trailing Sohil Shah by 43 points after a poor start to the season and was determined to win as many races as possible. Friday, when I picked up 68 points, gave me a huge boost.

Overall, I am happy at the way the season ended after such a sluggish start that I had in the summer," said Rangasamy who had started the weekend in seventh.

On Saturday, Rangasamy took a win and a fifth-place finish in the two races.

Faridabad's Manav Sharma was the winner of the other race. On Friday, Rangasamy, pulled off a grand double to put himself in contention for the title. He won two of the three races that were carried over from the rainaffected Round 4, besides finishing second behind Bengaluru's Yash Aradhya in the other outing.

Daniel, also of Race Concepts, had to be content with a second place in both the races. Other teammates Archit Mylanda and R Raja Shekar took the third place in Race 1 and 2, respectively, making it a clean sweep of all podium places for Race Concepts in the Super Stock category.

Rithvik tops Super Stock: Rithvik Thomas, the 26-year old from Bengaluru, won the Super Stock championship winning both the races held during the week-end and his team Race Concepts won the Team title. Rithvik won both the races with a huge lead and Air Asia pilot Sudanand

Ashwin Datta Formula LGB 1300 champion

NATL RACING 4W Rithvik Thomas said: "Yes, obviously, winning the Super Stock championship is a great feeling, but I would have enjoyed the success more if there had been a tight fight right up to the final race. Coming here, I was hoping that it would be so, but I will take this title anyway."

Dhruv Mohite wins ITC: Kolhapur's Dhruv Shivaji Mohite (Rayo Racing) was a lucky winner in the Indian Touring Cars class on Sunday, the concluding day of the season. But it was Race Concepts who won the team championship in ITC class.

On Sunday, the focus was on leader Arjun Balu of Race Concepts, who led Rayo Racing's Mohite by four points. However, the reverse grid put paid to Balu's aspirations as he started ninth while Mohite occupied P6. As the 10-lap race unfolded, it went topsy-turvy with septuagenarian D Vidyaprakash making two places to take the lead before he was overhauled by the faster Arjun Narendran of Arka Motorsports and the Ventos of Mohite and Karthik Tharani while Balu made a few spots but got stuck behind Daniel Rowe, the South African guest driver.

The decision of the organisers to allow nonregistered driver Arjun Narendran and the guest driver, virtually put paid to the chances of Arjun Balu and took the sheen off the title-fight. The South African defended stoutly and did not allow a faster Balu to pass him.

Narendran, a former National champion, took part in this round as a nonregistered driver and was

not eligible for championship points. He won by the proverbial country mile, followed by Mohite.

On Saturday, pole-sitter Balu pulled out a good lead in the very first lap, but lost the power-steering by Turn3 when the belt came off.

Soon after, the powersteering pulley fell and hit the rim of the left rear tyre leading to deflation and retirement. That, in hind sight, virtually cost him the championship. Up ahead, Rowe and team-mate Mohite, and former National champion Arjun Narendran (Arka Motorsports), were involved in a three-way battle and the trio finished the race in that order.

Winner of Race-3 in the MRF F1600 category

Winner of ITC Race-2

Ashwin Datta seals Formula LGB 1300 title: A secondplace finish saw Ashwin Datta of Momentum Motorsport emerge champion in the Formula LGB 1300 category with a race to spare. Momentum Motorsports won the team championship in this class.

Datta, 20, needed just one point to seal the championship going into this weekend and he managed to come in second behind teammate Deepak Ravikumar and ahead of Mohamed Ryan (M Sport) in the eight-lap race that was run behind a Safety Car. The result took Datta's tally to 163 points, well clear of Sohil Shah (M Sport, 95) who opted not to race in this category and concentrate on his races in the MRF F1600 class. "It feels great to win the championship with one race to spare. I missed the championship last year, so I am very happy today,'' said Datta.

Manav Sharma winner of Race-2 in the MRF Formula 1600

Yash Aradhya, winner of first race in MRF F1600 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 57

RACING

CHENNAI

Jeet Jhabakh champion in Ameo Class Aiman Sadat of Bangladesh wins Ameo Junior class

J

eet Jhabakh emerged as a surprise winner in the Volkswagen Ameo Class as the season concluded in Chennai in September. Jeet was trailing in third place behind Saurav Bandyopadhyay and Pratik Sonawane going into the last race on Sunday and effectively sealed the championship with a second-place finish behind Anmol Singh Sahil of Delhi in Race 2 and a third place behind two South African guest drivers in Race 3, virtually bagging all the points for a first place.

Aiman Sadat of Bangladesh won the Ameo Junior class.

58 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Jhabakh, the 26-year old businessman for whom racing is a hobby, had not entertained any hopes of winning the championship.

"I did not have the best of starts to the season, and so decided to enjoy myself rather than worry about points. I am thrilled to win the title and my thanks to the entire Volkswagen team which is like a family to me, for the support I received from them," said Jhabakh.

On Saturday, Mumbai's Saurav Bandyopadhyay, following a third-place finish behind the two South African Guest drivers, Jeffrey Kruger and Tasmin Peper,

kept his chances alive as he maintained his top spot on the leaderboard with 357 points. Behind him in second spot was Pratik

Sonawane (334) from Pune and Hyderabad's Jeet Jhabakh (328) with two more races to be run on Sunday finished third.

X TRACKS

BENGALURU

Thrill of Riding in Bengaluru Exhilarating ‘XTracks’ experience showcases the prowess of XPulse200

PHOTO BY: RAGHU GOWDA

G

iving Bengaluru's thrill-seekers an adrenaline rush, Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, checked into the city with its electrifying adventure riding experience through, Xtracks and Live the Thrill.

The test ride provided an exciting opportunity for the riders to experience the accessible adventure bike, XPulse 200, which came in a specially-curated thrilling off-road zone in Bengaluru which was held at The Tribal Cafe on Nandi Hills road.

Most of the 370 registered riders turned up for the event along with a few walk-in riders despite rains for a week prior to the event. Tribal Cafe which is a 10-km drive from the Airport Road through a few good landscapes and thick green vegetation. There were two kinds of tracks on the menu, one was the created track for the regular motocross training with a few mounts and a small

table top and windings while the secondary track was the natural track and a walkway passing over the rock and bringing it back to the finish. This track was close to about 600m per loop. With two riders Sangeet Bhatt and Rahul Kumar from Hero Motocorp leading the batch of eight riders for the trail alternately, they imparted their experience after a small briefing.

Due to continuous rains the track had become quite slippery and slushy and it gave a real feel of the vehicle traction, manoeuvrability and revealed the capability of the vehicle to the participants.

In addition to showcasing the capabilities of Hero MotoCorp's XPulse 200 at multiple terrains, the XTracks session also imparted critical skills to the enthusiasts, thereby enhancing their riding abilities. It made riding more fun, and yet safe.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 59

CHIKKAMAGALURU

Azgar Ali-Mustafa

duo wins Pro-Expert class Majunath, Chandra top Pro-Stock class; Gitika-Neena pair claims ladies title

T

he Rally of Chikkamagaluru returned to Western Ghats with the TSD format after a long break. SK Azgar Ali from Kolkata along with MK Mohd Mustafa from Erode won the Pro-Expert SUV category while Pramod Vig from Bengaluru along with Prakash Muthusamy from Erode topped the ProExpert Cars class, Chikkamagaluru recently.

The 210-km two-day rally was agged off by 6O AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Additional SP of Chikkamagaluru NS Shruthi from Siri Nature Roosts on Day 1, which had about 90 kms as a night stage. Day 2 had a route distance of 120 kms which began early in the morning. The rally passed through a few known places like KaimaraByagadahalli Hirekolale, Mallandooru, Aavuthi, Jakkanahalli, Aldoor and returned back to Chikkamagaluru.

Close to 40 cars in 8 classes

participated from across India in the rally. The least

penalties in the rally were obtained by the winner of

TSD RALLY Pro-Expert cars, Pramod Vig and Prakash Muthusamy.

They won the class with a mere 48-second penalty.

The pair of Santhosh Kumar and V Ravi Kumar came in second.

In the Pro-Expert SUV class, Azgar Ali and MK Mohd Mustafa with a total penalty of 58 seconds were the winners followed by Ravindra Kumar and Sagar in second position while Abhudai U Pai and Chandrashekar settled for third position with a total penalty of 2:22 sec.

In the Pro-Stock class, Manjunath B from Kadur and Chandra from Tirpur were the winners with a total of 6:42 penalties. The pair of Kiran Joy and Arun Ganesan came second.

Harish VS and Velu Murugan settled for third.

In the Veterans class which was formed for the participants above the age of 50 years, Lt Col Joshua Shanthraj and Lt Col Amit Mathur were the winners with 8:43 penalties. They were followed in second position by the pair of K Nayaz Ahmed and Rajgopal.

In the Ladies class, Gitika Pant and Neena Jain with a total penalty of 5:54 won pushing aside Aparna Pathak and Lalita Gowda to second. The duo clocked a

penalty of 8:30sec.

In the Locals class, Prajwal and HM Devkanth GM were the winners with a total of 5:13 penalties. Nasir Hussain and Sundeep came second with a penalty of 15:38 and the pair of Ruthuparna and Vivek Naveen YG with a total penalty of 24:58 were third.

The Corporate class belonged to Bhavani and his Navigatore Kumar who took a total penalty of 5:27.

They were closely followed

by Deepashikha Bhaduri and Aman Gulfam in second with a total penalty of 6:10. Darshan Gowda and Pradeep N duo with 8:23 penalties ďŹ nished third.

Anil Abbas and Sini Anil won the Couples class with a total penalty of 1:47 while Ksamta and Yadav Sekar V stood second with a total penalty of 2:09. Snigdha RJ and Ravi MS with a total penalty of 5:20 were third.

In the Novice class, Shruptha Padival and Vikram Jain won the class followed by Varun CP and Vishwak Kasturi in second position with a difference of 7:39. Dr Raghavendra and Dr Murlidhar Rai came third.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 61

MERZOUGA

Johnny Aubert

finishes Overall Sixth Adrien and Michael Metge suffer technical issues

T

he 16th Edition of PanAfrica Rally 2019 concluded on the final day distance of over 280kms, with Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team rider Johnny Aubert finishing at P5 at Erfoud.

Aubert stood at P6 in the overall rankings. Adrien Metge, who finished the previous stage at P2, had to abandon the race due to technical reasons.

Stage 1: The 275kms special stage saw Sherco TVS Rally Factory having a successful outing at the end of Day 2 with Michael

62 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

leading the race at P1, followed by Lorenzo and Adrien at P2 and P3 respectively.

Johnny Aubert has gained substantial lead in the Rally and is placed at P6. Abdul Wahid Tanveer unfortunately suffered an injury during the Stage 1, and had to abandon the Rally at the prologue stage.

Stage 2: The 67 racers battled the tough route around Merzouga that had to be neutralised at the first refuelling due to technical reasons. At the end of the stage, Lorenzo Santolino

stood strong at P2, Adrien Metge at P3, Michael Metge at P4, and Johnny Aubert at P9 in overall rankings.

Stage 3: The longest Stage of about 445km saw mixed performance from the team.

At the end of the Stage 3, Adrien Metge finished at P2 followed by Johnny Aubert in P14. Lorenzo Santolino and Michael Metge had to abandon the Stage due to technical reasons.

Commenting on the performance David Casteu, Team Manager, Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team said: "It was a tough day for our

riders. However, Johnny Aubert showed tremendous character to comeback and finish at the fifth position. It was his debut at the PanAfrica Rally 2019 and we are super happy that he made it to the final leg of the race."

Jonny Aubert, Racer, Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team said: "I am very happy with my performance and for being able to come back and finish in top 10. This is my debut Rally with Sherco TVS and has been a great learning experience for me."

RALLY

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 63

MERZOUGA

Joaquim Rodrigues takes the top spot CS Santosh secures a career-best top-5 place

A

fter 6 days and 1500kms of riding, Joaquim Rodrigues of Hero MotoSports Team Rally was crowned the winner of the Pan Africa Rally 2019. It was a fantastic and consistent effort over a week, that saw him cross the finish line of the final stage in Merzouga on September 27.

For Joaquim Rodrigues, this is the second international win of his career, and it will be a special and particularly satisfying performance, as he made a painful and rather long recovery from his crash in the Dakar 2018.

He now has two wins to his name with the first being BAJA India in 2017. He had a pretty solid season and this win will help him get back to his top

64 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

performance levels in the next two big rallies of the season, including the Dakar.

CS Santosh too, will treasure this performance as he crossed the finish line to post the best-ever finish by any Indian in an international rally. The result will make him and the entire nation proud. His 5th place was an outcome of some gritty and consistent performances across the stages in the Pan Africa Rally 2019, and will give a real boost to his confidence and preparations for the Rally Du Maroc and ultimately the Dakar 2020.

For Hero MotoSports Team Rally, this is the first win of this season and 2nd overall in their international rally career after the BAJA India in 2017. This season in

particular, has been a revelation for the team as they have clearly stepped up their game to target podium finishes. The team can now boast of two podium wins in this season coming from the Merouga Rally and Desert Storm, a dominating performance with many stage podiums in the Silkway Rally and now this win to top it off.

With this strong momentum behind them, the next stop for Hero MotoSports Team Rally will be the Rally Du Maroc in Oct, which is considered to be the last training ground before the Dakar Rally. With a full strength four-rider team, Hero MotoSports Team Rally will be looking to intensify the already high level of competition

expected in the Rally Du Maroc, with Dakar 2020 in their sight.

Joaquim Rodrigues, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally said: "I am really happy with this win at the Pan Africa Rally. The last couple of years have been difficult for me after my crash at the Dakar in 2017.

My road to recovery has been long and painful and I am happy to be finally getting back to my 100%.

My confidence is back and my back is really good now.

Congratulations to Santosh also for doing a great job and posting his personal best. My thanks to the entire team for giving the best possible support, so this win is dedicated for Hero and Hero MotoSports Team Rally."

RALLY

“

CS Santosh, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally said: "It's been a really good race for me. I was consistent and geing beer with every stage. You always push yourself to do beer than before, race your own limits and nishing 5th here is very satisfying. I am quite happy with the way this season has progressed and with my training, so all we have to do now is to build on it, to the Dakar. Big congratulations to my buddy JRod for a fantastic win and a big thanks to the awesome team here and at Hero back home and all our fans."

“

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 65

AUTOCROSS

THANE

Raunaq Singh sets fastest time

R

aunaq Singh set the fastest time of the day and also went home with three first places while Shanky Joseph took home the maximum Tuner's trophies.

timing 1:28.797. Bhojraj M Berwal clocked 1:29.137 to settle for third position.

Ameya Desai stood fourth in 1:29.324 while shay Virendra Mestry was fifth clocking 1:32.766.

While Maharashtra was experiencing out-of-season showers, the drivers at the PARX IARC Indian National Autocross held at the Raymond Drift Track, kept their pedal to the metal.

Modified class: Aftab Bunglowala clocked 1:27.134 to win the Modified upto 1400cc class beatin Amey Desai to second. Amey clocked 1:28.413. Biten Jagasia clocked 1:32.999 to settle for third. Asif Mulla finished fourth followed by Soumik Basu in fifth.

Stock class: In the Stock upto 1650cc 2WD calss, Aftab Bunglowala clocked 1:27.622 to win the class followed by Niket Bhanushali in second in a time of 1:30.829. Munjal Salva settled for third timing 1:31.138. Amey Desai finished fourth while Kartik Konchady finished in fifth position.

In above 1651 cc class 2WD, Raunaq Singh came first in 1:26.481 followed by Kejas Shah in second position 66 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

In upto 1650cc class, Swajit Acharekar came first in 1:33.153 beating Kartik Konchady who clocked 1:37.368 for second place.

In above 1651cc class, Raunaq Singh dominated the class by clcoking 1:29.733 for his win. Swajit Acharekar clocked 1:29.909 for second position and Tejas Gaikwad came third in

1:30.161. Jhanvi Bhavsar and Arvaan Joshi were fourth and fifth.

Unrestricted: In upto 1650cc class Raunaq Singh clocked 1:23.531 to acquire the top position while Aftab Bunglowala timed 1:28.001 to take second. Kartik Konchady clocked 1:29.462 to settle for third position and Niket Bhanushali and Parag Bhanushali were fourth and fifth respectively.

In the above 1651 cc class, Kejas Shah clocked 1:27.429 to register a win over

Arvaan Joshi who timed 1:28.502 to sty in second position. Raunaq Singh stood third with a time of 1:53.004.

In the 4WD and SUV Open class, Umesh Rane clocked 1:39.372 to win the class followed by Sudesh Karle in second position with a time of 1:43.658.

The ladies class was bagged

by Jhanvi Bhavsar who recorded 1:34.372 follewed

by Pallavi Shamrao Yadav in 1:47.489 for her second place.

AUTOMOTIVE

NEWS

Centenary celebrations PHOTO BY: MANJUNATH K

T

o celebrate 100 years of Bentley, Exclusive Motors delivered the first Bentley Mulsanne to VS Reddy in Bengaluru.

It was a dream come true for VS Reddy, owner of British Biologicals and connoisseur of automobiles.

He has been planning to buy this beauty from Bentley for a long time. Mr Reddy carries the legacy of buying India's first Centenary model as this year marks the 100 years of Bentley. Reddy who started his business in 1988 after giving up his medical representative job. As the business grow steadily, his

passion on luxury vehicles also continued to grow.

His company, British Biologicals started as a small venture in Nutraceutical field is soaring to new heights. He thanked his employees for his achievement in business.

TOP CLASS FEATURES The best in its class, pinnacle Mulsanne model has outshone all other limousines to be named the best automotive passenger experience. Designed for customers with preference

for being driven, the Mulsanne's extended wheelbase offers similar to jet travel experience on the road. With its 250mm extension of wheelbase, the car offers the benefit of rear-seat passenger leg room. For additional rear leg room, Bentley developed airline-style electronic leg rests which are integrated into the bases of the two rear seats.

Ideally suited and designed for those who wish to work on the move, both rear seats can also be specified with deployable, folding table. For privacy, electric curtains at the rear are

standard fitment and can be tailored with either a black or champagne coloured interior lining. The tilting and sliding panel control allows natural light to reflect the beauty of Mulsanne's interiors.

Globally, Bentley cars are one the most sought after luxury car brands. The company's headquarters situated in Crewe is home to all of its operations, including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company's four model lines – Continental, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Mulsanne.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 67

AUTOMOTIVE

NEWS

Centenary celebrations Western India Automobile Association was formed on October 15, 1919 and its first Chairman was Major General WD James. The WIAA plans centenary celebrations and Nitin

Dossa, Chairman stressed on Helmet Advocacy with school children and R̀oad Safety . He also promised to remain a socially-committed organisation for another century.

Eicher's Pro2000 car-like trucks Eicher's newly launched Pro2000 series of light-duty trucks, is one of the modern and advanced trucks with ergonomics that are equivalent of a car, a combination of utility, comfort and infotainment

All-woman automobile workshop Mahindra & Mahindra Limited announced in October the inauguration of India's first women-run automobile service

workshop in Jaipur powered by a team of nine women at the compact quick outlet category.

Distinguished Gentleman's ride Triumph Motorcycles organised the 6th edition of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride at Delhi.

The event saw an overall turnout of more than 200 men and women dressed in their best, riding together to create awareness about prostate cancer and men's mental health, along with raising funds for prostate cancer research.

68 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

for the truck owner. It offers, next generation tilt-able cabins, steering mounted car-like controls, and advanced telematics solutions, heat and noise reduction among others and few more as well.

Mercedes-Benz Luxe Drive Mercedes-Benz, rolled into Bengaluru with its 'Luxe Drive Live 2019'. An exclusive luxury experience built on adrenaline, gourmet and music, the event, now in its fifth year,

gave current and potential owners a unique taste of the Mercedes-Benz lifestyle.

This event also offered an exclusive opportunity to test drive an impressive range of Mercedes-Benz cars.

Hero's Centre of Excellence In keeping with its commitment to promote

skilling among the youth, Hero MotoCorp Limited, the manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, opened a world-class training centre, The Centre of Excellence, at the Industrial Training Institute, Nizamuddin in New Delhi.

TATA TIAGO

DRIVE

Driving along the coast with Tata Tiago

TEXT: Thothathri Raman

It may not be much of distance for an avid motorist and adventure traveller but for the first time traveller, things could get to be to look a bit larger than life except that after a 21 day (May 24June 14, 2019) nearly 8000 km trip from Delhi to Dhanushkodi-Rameshwaram via SrikakulamVishakapatnam in Tiago XZ .

We had always been fascinated by the coasts surrounding India on her three sides and also the fact that in the popular narrative somehow coasts are missing.

The only way to check out as to why this is so is to explore the coastline and traverse the entire length of it.

We didn't make any special preparations except investing in a 10 litres water jug, a coffee mug with 12v cigarette lighter point charger, two foldable chairs and one foldable stool, two suitcases for cloth and some ready cook foods. Our plan was always to drive till 7 p.m. and start looking online for a budget hotel not costing more than Rs 1500 which worked.

The 1047 cc car which was serviced just two weeks earlier was purring along and the 69 bhp 1.05 litre petrol engine was highly responsive on the road. Once we turned into the Agra bypass the lorry traffic had picked up but we were cruising unhindered.

The road may be worth the exorbitant toll being charged but our travel showed us that there were equally smooth roads charging much less by way of toll. Talking of Toll, it is a big expense item on your budget when you undertake these trips and be sure to spend at least Rs 1 per km on

toll irrespective of the distance covered. The trick of making all state roads National Highways is precisely to ensure that people pay for every kilometre.

As to our Tiago which is little more than a year old, it is heavy, sturdy and roomy and most important thing, the air conditioner worked all through the gruelling heat.

Whether it was the plain stretches of Taj Expressway, the slopes and curves of the Pench reserve, the Araku Valley or the arduous climbs of the Dolphins nose at Vizag, the tortuous rumbler banks of the Odisha roads, the narrow patches of roads in the interior beach side villages, the sand encrusted apology for roads in the fishermen villages of the coastal Andhra and Tamil Nadu, the car stood out exceptionally well. The mileage improved from 380 for full tank to a whopping 560 at some stage which even the manufacturer Tata Motors need to note.

Travel by road also means meeting with people up very close and interacting with them, be it someone whom we stopped to ask directions, the dabbawallahs, the lorry drivers, the herdsmen of cattle that crossed our path quite frequently …the list is endless. This is our first series of India up close, the coastal journey bringing to you the best of India its people and the great quest for adventure. India lives with the great contribution of the one third of its population living in the seven coastal states who contribute two thirds of the prosperity of the country.

ABU DHABI

Ferrari ki Sawaari TEXT AND PICTURES: S M BOOTHEM

. "The concept of disability should be changed in the minds of people. Disabled are not the ones who are short of psychical capabilities but the ones who limit their potentials just because nobody has ever done that yet.

Physical disability is not equal to incapability", concludes Jain.

W

e recently had an opportunity to visit the famous Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi with a group of people who are visually impaired. It was a wonderful experience both to visit Ferrari and spend quality time with the group. The idea and the concept was conceived

by Amit Jain, the 44-year-old Founder and MD of Rising Star Tours & Travels (RSTT) to support, guide and show the

7O AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

world to the physically challenged. He is the ďŹ rst one to start this initiative in the country. RSTT has been taking people successfully to both domestic and international destinations. According to Jain, "For the last 22 years, we, at Rising Star, have touched many areas that have not been experimented yet on a professional level. We have organised trips for senior citizens, group tours for

women only, also special occasion trips. But the initiative that brought maximum accolades to us and which also tugs at our heartstrings most is the trips for visually impaired people. During these trips, the kind of happiness, excitement, and satisfaction I have seen on their faces has been really overwhelming, and I don't have words to express them. 'Let such smiles always spark on their faces' is the only thought

FERRARI WORLD Climb aboard a cinematic motion-based simulator and experience the thrill of F1 racing or enjoy an interactive game show with Fast Lane. More than 25 racing-themed rides, shows and attractions suitable for adventure and thrill riders.

At the Ferrari store, one can get every product

coming directly from my heart. With this selfless wish, Rising Stars Khilte Chehre is committed to providing visually impaired people with blissful touring experience." So far, RSTT has successfully completed six trips with more than 400 people -- Rishikesh, Mussorie, Thailand, Jaipur, Jim Corbett and, recently, Dubai. "The concept of disability should be changed in the minds of people. Disabled are not the ones who are short of psychical capabilities but the ones who limit their potentials just because nobody has ever done that yet. Physical disability is not equal to incapability", concludes Jain. Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is an

associated with Ferrari. It is one of the must visit for the lovers of fast cars and racing enthusiasts. When you are next in Abu Dhabi, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Ferrari World for a thrilling experience and plenty of fun. It offers everything you want at one place.

indoors amusement park on Yas Island, UAE and the first Ferrari-branded theme park with the largest space with an area of 86,000 square metres (area enough to fit 7-football fields). The foundation stone for the park was laid in 2007 and took three years to develop with all the indoor games. It was officially opened to the public in 2010. It offers a variety of rides suitable for every member of the family.

It will take a day to explore the park where one can practice F1 car driving skills in a challenging race course and experience Ferrari's innovation first hand in Made in Maranello, an indepth tour of the Ferrari factory and showcase of how a Ferrari GT is made.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 AUTO TRACK 71

TSD RALLY

BENGALURU

Vinay-Chandrashekar duo win Prajwal-Devkanth win the `Others' class PHOTO BY: ANAND PHILAR / SRINIVASA KRISHNAN

T

he 95-km rally passed through Kodulu gate, HSR Layout, Chandapura, Anekal, Bannergatta road and came back to the Play Station after negotiating multiple terrain like slush, broken tarmac and gravel road and had 11 time controls and 3 self-time controls. The maximum speed of 40 kmphmade the stages very exciting.

Vinay BP and Chandrashekar won the Pro-Expert class with a total penalty of 2min 21seconds.

Prasad and Ravi MS followed them in second position with a difference of over 20 seconds. The pair of 72 AUTO TRACK NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Karthikeyan and Adi Anthony a further 9 seconds behind finished third.

Ravindra Kumar and codriver Sagar came fourth while Pramod Vig and Prakash settled for fifth position.

Prajwal and Devkanth with a total penalty of 3min 17seconds won the Others class. They were followed in second position by Anil Abbas and Sini with a total penalty of 6.04sec. The pair of RK Kasturi and Vishwak Kasturi came third in another 13min 02sec behind. Jaya Krishnan and Prashanth Mohan finished fourth followed by Naveen M and Shri Varun N in fifth.

RNI No. KARENG/2007/21952 PAGES 72+4